Changing Exhaust Tips

[ManyMods]

I want to change the OE 'Lexus-look' stainless exhaust tips on my car, replacing them with something that looks more aggressive but does not negatively impact the scavenging of the exhaust. (Note: It is a known fact that increasing the diameter size of the exhaust system at the end (or elsewhere) with those 'fart cans' can reduce the scavenging of the exhaust gases.)

I want to install stainless exhaust tips of approximately the same diameter as OE, but round instead of oval and straight cut instead of slant cut.

Has anyone done this and will you direct me to the supplier and PN's?

- Peter

[Mike Murrell]

Peter:

I may stand corrected; could such a "mod" invalidate some part of the emissions warranty?

I realize this mod is way downstream, but can't help but wonder if a dealership would try to pull such a stunt should you ever need emission system warranty work? I believe that system is covered for quite some time....100K or more I think.

[ManyMods]

Originally Posted by Mike Murrell

Peter:

I may stand corrected; could such a "mod" invalidate some part of the emissions warranty?

I realize this mod is way downstream, but can't help but wonder if a dealership would try to pull such a stunt should you ever need emission system warranty work? I believe that system is covered for quite some time....100K or more I think.

Mike,
I guess this is what I get for offering an infomercial within my query. Too much information is ....

Believing only fools are positive, I will say I am positive that what I am seeking will not affect the warranty one iota. This is an appearance mod that has nothing to do with performance one way or the other. Here is why, to be really nit-picky; the exhaust tip slips over the actual tail pipe and protrudes maybe an inch more. What I was referring to was those mufflers that have ~4” diameter by 8”, 10” or 12” long ends that create a vacuum or backwash that retards the scavenging of the exhaust gases.

Creating a good exhaust system for any specific application is not as simple as just bolting on pipes and mufflers. Anyone who has ever played with custom exhaust systems knows about harmonics and the dreaded ‘drone’. Flowmaster used to have really good information on their website.

Warranties, in my experience, are not that fragile and you can do a lot to a car before it voids the warranty. Think about all the guys who are putting on aftermarket intake systems and/or wet filters.

- Peter

[Tom in Tacoma]

Peter,

Here's a site that offers high quality exhaust systems as well as tips. I've seen these used on many a show-quality car. Check out: http://www.coneeng.com/exhaust_tips.html

Regarding voiding the warranty by replacing the tips - you will, in fact, void the warranty - on the factory exhaust tips

[ManyMods]

Originally Posted by Tom in Tacoma

Peter,

Here's a site that offers high quality exhaust systems as well as tips. I've seen these used on many a show-quality car. Check out: http://www.coneeng.com/exhaust_tips.html

Regarding voiding the warranty by replacing the tips - you will, in fact, void the warranty - on the factory exhaust tips

Thanks Tom,
I know this company. The problem I am going to have is finding short (3" to 4") tips that are not weld-on. The Gibson design tips are the nicest I have found, but they are all long. If I cut off SS tips the heat will discolor the stainless and I don't want to go through all the effort of cutting off at least half of an expensive tip and then polishing it. I know what I want is out there, I just have to find it. I really appreciate your tip

Of course you do know you have shattered my attempt to sound omnipotent about the warranty issue.

- Peter

[ManyMods]

I have looked at literally hundreds of exhaust tips today and one of the companies I always go back to is Borla. I have had two of their exhaust systems and they make a very good product. They even made an exhaust system for TRD's Gen3 4Runner.

I know I said I wanted a round straight cut tip, but this one looks pretty robust and is the right size --- I think.



The dimensions are
Outlet Size: 3'' x 4-3/4''
Inlet Size: 2-1/4''
Length: 4-3/4''
The price is about $52.00 each

The outlet size is large and I like that, and it is lined construction so the inlet size should be about 2-1/4". The tip may stick out a little further than the OE, but it should not be much and I like the idea of a little more extension.

I don't like the cheesy look of the OE tips where you can see the rusty steel pipe inside. Do you know what I mean?

I have to see if I can get Borla to make some without their logo. I wish all these companies would leave their branding to stickers and stop blemishing the stainless, unless of course they want to pay me for advertising their product on my vehicle.

- Peter

[00avxls]

i actually have some tips like that on my avalon except they are weld ons. i bought mine from autozone for like $27 a piece. i have to take some pics of my car tomorrow so i'll post pics to give some idea of what it looks like on the car.

[ManyMods]

Originally Posted by 00avxls

i actually have some tips like that on my avalon except they are weld ons. i bought mine from autozone for like $27 a piece. i have to take some pics of my car tomorrow so i'll post pics to give some idea of what it looks like on the car.

L-
That would be nice. PS: Chk's ITM

I spoke with Borla tech this morning and they told me the tips would fit and the more pipe they can slip over the better the fit will be. They also told me I should tack-weld them because many owners are complaining about theft. I have to check with the vendor about getting them w/o the logo because Borla said it depends upon how they are ordered.

- Peter

[00avxls]

here's some pics of my exhaust tips.

[00avxls]

[00avxls]

[ManyMods]

Please give me the brand name of the tips you are using. Are they stainless? I think you said they cost you $27 at AutoZone?

- Peter

[00avxls]

They are 3a racing and yes they are polished stainless steel tips. But like the borla tips, they have their logo on them. I bought these back a couple months ago and I believe I paid $27 a piece for them at autozone and paid a local muffler shop to weld them on.

[ManyMods]

Those tips are made by Amarican Auto Accessories (3A) and their website does not give specs.

I assume the outlet OD is 4" and the length is about 4". Is the Inlet ID 2.25"?

Can you recall the total dimensions?

- Peter

[00avxls]

I don't recall the specs on them, but they are shaped exactly like the borla tip you have pictured and probably pretty close to those dimensions. Peter, If you want I can go to autozone and see if they have some and throw them in the box with your grille.